A teacher at Lee’s Summit High School died Thursday morning after a tractor trailer skidded on icy roads and crashed into her vehicle.
The tractor trailer was traveling eastbound at about 6:45 a.m. on Highway 50 near Missouri Route 7 when it lost control, crossed the median, and struck a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu head-on, according to an accident report from the State Corporation. Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Authorities said Rachel Stone, 47, of Bates City, the driver of the Chevy, died at the scene.
Stone was a health and physical education teacher at Lee’s Summit High School, where she also served as an assistant coach for girls’ volleyball. She was a student teacher at the school district in 1997 and started her high school career in 2000.
School was in session on Thursday, despite the winter weather forecast.
In a statement to the high school community, Principal Kari Harrison expressed her condolences for Stone’s husband, their two children, and their extended family.
“This is truly a sad day for LSHS and for our educational community,” Harrison said. “Please join us in keeping the Stone family in your thoughts as we work to support each other over the next few days.”
The school said additional district counselors and leaders would be on campus Thursday to help students and staff grieve. The consultants will also be available for the rest of the week.
